Key to a vibrant Anglican presence in the Diocese of Toronto is the ability to effectively equip ordained and lay leaders to meet the demands for ministry in ways that effectively respond to the rapid changes taking place in society and the world. Our goal as a Diocese is to create a culture in which professional lay and ordained leaders together build a commitment to lifelong learning and renewal in ministry.
All active clergy in the Diocese of Toronto, as well as some diocesan lay staff, are members of the Continuing Education Plan of the National Church. The following make up Professional Development in the Diocese:
1. The National Church offers the Continuing Education Plan, which clergy participate in, and can access funds from for reimbursement. The Plan provides resources for the continuing education of the clergy in order to improve work or work-related skills and abilities.
- National Church contact: Nancy Dafnos, 416-960-2484 ext. 216 (1-800-265-1070).
- Diocesan contact: The Rev. Jonathan Eayrs, 416-531-9348
- Enrollment Form
- Application for benefits Form: Word Document, PDF Document
2. There are also Professional Development Grants that are available from the Diocese for special training needs, for those members who have already accessed all of their Continuing Education Funds through the General Assistance Funds.
- General Assistance Accounts: Amy Talbert, Human Resources Coordinator, 416-363-6021 ext. 241 (1-800-668-8932).
- Application Form: Word Document, PDF Document
All applications are assessed on their individual merit in relation to the identified Diocesan learning priorities. Prior to any funds being disbursed by the PD Committee, all of the applicant’s funds from the National Church Continuing Education Plan must have been spent or committed to the program for which funds are requested. Those who have received grants are asked to complete an Evaluation Form to help the Diocese ensure that we are meeting the learning priorities and to assist with tracking valuable programs that are being accessed. The Evaluation Form is available as both a PDF document and a Word document.
The PD Committee fully endorses individuals pursuing multi-year Advanced Degree programs and multiple course programs. However, because the level of funding is available for PD grants is received on an annual basis from various sources, the PD Committee is not able to guarantee multi-year or multiple course program funding. Applications for financial assistance for multi-year programs and multiple course programs must therefore be submitted at least annually.
The Diocesan learning priorities are:
- Preaching
- Managing Change Constructively
- Collaborative, visionary leadership (how to be the person that people look to)
- Specific management skills (working with small groups, building teams, supervision, conflict utilization, etc.)
- Perspectives on today’s issues in Church and society
